Build's design philosophy is complimented by those of Architect Russell Versaci in his Eight Pillars of Traditional Design. The first four pillars were covered in a previous post, Designing a New Old House and Pillars 5 through 8 follow with examples from our portfolio:

Pillar Five: Detail for Authenticity​A house’s character can be defined with authentic details, it’s okay to borrow from the past and use familiar forms. Details such as type of roof, windows and moulding profiles look best in historic patterns.​

Kitchen mouldings influenced by home's existing trim.

Pillar Six: Craft with Natural Materials

Fine craftsmanship and natural materials are timeless and are meant to endure. Less likely to be replaced by wear or trends, contributes to saving money and a healthy environment.​

A traditional ceramic tile pattern, with vintage tub and sink.

Pillar Seven: Create the Patina of Age

The popularity of salvaged materials is proof that people enjoy the beauty of well aged and natural. New materials have a more convincing antiqued appearance if aged by natural weathering processes.​

Reclaimed fir island with natural marble top and cast iron sink.

Pillar Eight: Incorporate Modern Conveniences

We don’t expect you to live as if it were the early 1900s! You will need your modern conveniences and there are many ways to integrate and hide them to maintain the illusion of a vintage house.​

Modern conveniences are integrated into a traditional kitchen.

Our interest in architectural design is a large part of our work and lifestyle. We have spent years traveling and visiting heritage homes because we truly love them. If you love new old houses, our local library has a copy of Versaci’s Creating a New Old House or you can purchase it online.

Catherine Cassidy is a Designer with Build in Stratford, Ontario.Rory McDonnell is a General Contractor, Licensed Carpenter and Architectural Designer with Build, a construction firm in Stratford, Ontario, specializing in new custom home builds and renovations.

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Rory McDonnell

I am a licensed carpenter, an experienced general contractor, and a qualified architectural designer. My expertise is in building, restoring, and renovating new custom homes and heritage homes with respect for their inherent details.

I want to share with you my impressions of the good, the bad and the ugly in the construction and renovation industry.